Houllier is set to fly out to France to speak to his former club, with Villa willing to offer £6 million for the Cameroon international, who joined the club from Lille for £11 million in August 2008.

Makoun has made 13 appearances for the Ligue 1 side this season but is expected to leave the club in January, and Houllier believes he would be a welcome addition to his squad.

"He could be a good asset for us because he is experienced, he has played Champions League with Lille and Lyon and he is exactly what we need at times," Houllier said. "He can play as a holding midfielder or as a box-to-box player. He can be both. We are working on it. All you can say is there is dialogue going on at the moment."

Lyon later confirmed talks were ongoing between the two clubs about Cameroon
international Makoun. "President Jean-Michel Aulas met Gerard Houllier in Paris this morning,'' read
a statement. "The progress of such discussions remain subject to the agreement of the player.''

Blackpool star Charlie Adam is also a contender to strengthen Aston Villa's options in midfield. Houllier said: "It is true that he (Adam) is a player that we like. His passing is very good."

Houllier also confirmed that John Carew is likely to stay at the club, but admitted that Villa were in the market for a striker.

He said: "If you say: 'Are you looking for a striker?' I would say if the opportunity is there, yes, but you don't find them easily. Getting a striker itself is not a problem it is mainly the type of striker that you want. I think John [Carew] will stay for the moment.

"We're always looking for good players, but we're aware that without Emile (Heskey) when he's not there, and John, we're struggling. But Gabby Agbonlahor can play and there's Nathan Delfouneso so with Emile and John we've got four."